Genesis Chapter 18 Summary
Abraham, the friend of God. Promise of the seed renewed. The plea of Sodom.
Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 18
- At the beginning of Genesis 18, the Lord appears suddenly to Abraham in the form of three men. Do you believe that Abraham identifies these three men as messengers from God, or was he trying to be hospitable by offering food and drink? What are the reasons for your answer? Hebrews 13:2 warns us to entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unaware. How should we treat strangers that may come to our house or whom we meet during the day?
- After he inquires about Sarah, the Lord repeats the prophecy about her giving birth in a year to a son. Giving birth to a child at the age of ninety could have adverse effects on her body. Why does God mention this prophecy where Sarah can hear but not address her directly? How has communication between God and woman changed throughout the years? Does God only communicate with the wife through the husband? If not, what has changed since the time of Abraham and Sarah?
- Sarah responds the same way that Abraham does after being told they will have a child, by laughing about the prophecy since she feels she is too old. Why do Sarah and Abraham lack faith in God's prophecy after having so much wealth? Who has more faith, the elderly or the young? Why?
- God debates within Himself whether He should tell Abraham that He is about to destroy Sodom. Why does God feel the need to tell Abraham what He is about to do after Abraham and Sarah both laugh at the prophecy? Which is more important, our faith toward God or His desire to keep His promises to us? Why?
- God is omnipotent and omnipresent. However, we have seen times when God comes to earth to see the sins man has committed before passing judgment. We saw this in the Garden of Eden, and now we see it here in Genesis 18 when God is going to see if the sins in Sodom and Gomorrah were as great as He believes they are in person. What does the desire to come among man and his sin to pass judgment communicate about God's traits? Is God demonstrating more grace and mercy or wrath when He decides to visit Sodom and Gomorrah?
- Abraham begins to negotiate with God in Genesis 18:22 for God to spare Sodom for lesser and lesser numbers. It appears God continues to change His mind and agrees to save Sodom for lesser and lesser numbers. Are we really able to change God's mind about an event based on a prayer, or does the omniscient God already know our prayer and the status of the situation before He agrees to change?
- The basis of Abraham's argument in Genesis 18 is that the righteous should not be punished with the unrighteous. Jesus later says in Matthew 5:45 that God sends rain on the just and the unjust. Both of these verses speak of the justness of God. How just or fair is God to all people, in your mind? How are we to determine righteousness, using man's or God's standard? If we use God's standard, when will God be justified in giving anyone a blessing?
- Abraham was finally able to have God agree not to destroy Sodom for only ten righteous people living in the city. Earlier in Genesis 14, when Abraham saves his nephew Lot from the battle, we find out that Lot lives in or near Sodom. Do you think the only reason Abraham argues to save Sodom is for Lot, or do you think it is to save the entire city? What is the basis for your answer?
- Why do you think the Lord is being so patient with Abraham when he continues to argue for a lower number of righteous people to save Sodom?
- What lesson can we learn about prayer from the conversation between Abraham and God? Describe a time when you continually prayed for something or someone. Did God answer the prayer in the way you desired?
Key Words/Phrase
Communion, v. 33.
Characters
God, Sarah, Abraham.
Strong Verse(s)
17, 18.
